The Straight Stitch: A Podcast About Sewing and Other Fiber Arts.

Epizode

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  Developing Good Sewing Habits 21.07.2026 35min

  Send us feedback about this episode! Have you reviewed your sewing habits recently? Whether you're a newbie or an accomplished sewist, a periodic audit of your sewing practice can reveal opportunities for change and improvement. Maybe you need to level up your pressing skills. Perhaps a commitment to changing your rotary cutter blades more frequently is in order. Let's identify those areas that might be holding you back from better sewing and make some changes! Show notes for each episode: ww...
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  The Business of Wool 14.07.2026 52min

  Send us feedback about this episode! In today's episode, we broaden our focus with Kristen Buchanan, one of the founders of Pacific Northwest Fiber Connect. Along with co-founders Hannah Paquette and Jolene Quaintance, Kristen is helping build a "chamber of commerce" for the fiber industry across Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. The organization's mission is to strengthen and grow the Pacific Northwest's regional fiber economy by connecting producers, businesses, and consumers. Kristen shares t...
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  Is Machine Embroidery Right for You? 07.07.2026 34min

  Send us feedback about this episode! Machine embroidery is one of those sewing skills that seems almost magical. You load a design, press start, and watch your project come to life—but behind every beautiful embroidered piece is a skilled maker who knows how to make the machine do exactly what they envision. In this episode, Deana Crider—owner of Crafty Girlfriends—shares the story of her journey into custom machine embroidery. We chat about the creative process, the challenges of running a c...
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  Fabric Shopping in Oregon 30.06.2026 24min

  Send us feedback about this episode! Today’s episode is a recap of Janet’s recent trip to Oregon and the fabric she found while she was there. Beginning with an ill-advised foray into Seattle just as a World Cup game was letting out of the stadium—although the stop at Pacific Fabrics was absolutely worth the hassle—and ending with some shopping in Albany, Oregon, she collected quite a few new and noteworthy fabrics along the way. Show notes for each episode: www.thestraightstitchpodcast...
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  What Is Your Project Trying to Tell You? 23.06.2026 28min

  Send us feedback about this episode! Why does a quilt block come out the wrong size? Why does a sleeve twist, a neckline gape, or a hem ripple? When something goes wrong in a sewing project, it's tempting to look for a quick fix. Sometimes, though, the visible symptoms aren't the actual problem. Whether you're a quilter, garment maker, or somewhere in between, learning to diagnose problems is one of the most valuable skills you can develop. We'll explore how to identify the clues your fabric ...
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  Rescuing History One Pattern at a Time 16.06.2026 36min

  Send us feedback about this episode! Our guest today is Heather Webster, founder of Pattern-Walk, a website dedicated to preserving and sharing vintage sewing patterns dating back to the 1940s and beyond. Raised in South Africa and taught to sew by her grandmother, Heather rediscovered her passion for sewing after retirement. What began with the purchase of a single box of patterns at a local estate sale soon grew into a thriving business built around collecting, curating, and connecting sewi...
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  Just Because You Sew, Doesn't Mean You Hem Pants 09.06.2026 26min

  Send us feedback about this episode! When people find out that you sew, chances are good that they will ask, "Can you hem my pants?" To many non-sewists, sewing is sewing, but those of us who spend time making garments (or quilts!) know that alterations are often an entirely different skill set. In this episode, we're taking a closer look at the world of alterations and why they can be far more complex than they appear. We'll discuss the differences between constructing a garment from scratch...
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  Costumes, Couture, and Custom Fit: A Conversation with Brooks Ann Camper 02.06.2026 55min

  Send us feedback about this episode! Today's guest is Brooks Ann Camper, custom garment expert, educator, and all-around joyful maker. Brooks Ann's path into sewing was anything but traditional. After discovering sewing (and irons!) as a senior in college, she went on to study costume construction, work in Broadway costume production, create couture bridalwear, and eventually develop her own approach to custom-fit garment sewing. Brooks Ann shares how her background in costume production shap...
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  Sew Smarter, Not Harder 26.05.2026 40min

  Send us feedback about this episode! What are the tips and tricks that streamline your sewing process and make it more enjoyable? We're not focusing on productivity in this episode; we're talking about eliminating bottlenecks, optimizing workflow, and eliminating decision fatigue. It might be something as simple as changing the location of your pressing station, or purchasing a few additional tools so you aren't chasing down your seam ripper when you need it. Let's make our sewing practice ev...
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  Gadgets and Tools 19.05.2026 30min

  Send us feedback about this episode! Are you a sewing gadget collector or a minimalist? Are there favorite tools you would want if you were stranded on an island with only a sewing machine and fabric? In this episode, we’ll make a virtual visit to Janet’s sewing room and find out what tools and gadgets are on her cutting table, near her machines, and at her pressing station. See a complete list on the show notes page at www.thestraightstitchpodcast.com. Show notes for each episode: www.thestr...
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  An Unusual Connection Between Quilting and Electricity 12.05.2026 40min

  Send us feedback about this episode! Today’s guest is Christine Lewis—quilter, teacher, bagmaker, and electrician. Christine shares how her creative journey through quilting has unfolded alongside her career as a wireman for the city of Tacoma, Washington. A chance suggestion from a friend led her into the skilled trades, where she developed leadership, management, and teaching skills that now serve her well as a business owner and sewing instructor. Our conversation explores creativity, craf...
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  The Fabric is the Project 05.05.2026 42min

  Send us feedback about this episode! Choosing fabric can feel overwhelming—but it’s also one of the most important skills a sewist can develop. This episode focuses on savvy fabric selection, from drape and structure to weight, recovery, and how a fabric actually behaves in real life. We’ll explore why the same pattern can look completely different depending on the fabric you choose and how fabric choice affects not just construction, but also wearability and satisfaction. (Is white silk prac...
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  A Long Line of Seamstresses 28.04.2026 54min

  Send us feedback about this episode! Today’s guest is nationally-known sewist, author, and educator Katrina Walker. In her own words, she “comes from a long line of seamstresses”—women who sewed not because they wanted to, but because they had to. Katrina has taken that legacy one step further. After graduating from college and realizing that investment banking was not for her, she returned to her home state of Washington. A series of serendipitous encounters, a job with Nordstrom Product Gro...
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  Sewing the Spectrum: Basic Color Theory for Sewists 21.04.2026 38min

  Send us feedback about this episode! In this episode, we break down color theory into a practical, no-fluff guide specifically for sewing projects. Instead of getting lost in abstract design concepts, we focus on how real fabric choices come together in quilts, garments, and handmade wardrobes. You’ll learn how to build a cohesive fabric palette from a single “hero” print and avoid the most common mistake sewists make—ignoring value and contrast. If you’ve ever brought home beautiful fabrics ...
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  Your Sewing Skills Can Make Money 14.04.2026 38min

  Send us feedback about this episode! Would you like to turn your sewing skills into income? In this episode, we explore the many ways to earn money from sewing—whether you’re looking for a simple side hustle or dreaming of building a business that support your lifestyle. From dependable income streams like alterations and repairs to more scalable options such as pattern design or teaching, we break down what each path really looks like behind the scenes. We also dive into producing hand...
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  Bagmaking as a Business, From Patterns to Production 07.04.2026 46min

  Send us feedback about this episode! Our guest today is Cristina Phaneuf, owner of Bumbleroot Design. Cristina shares her creative journey—from learning to sew by hand at a young age to discovering her passion for designing and making beautifully functional bags. Along the way, she’s carved out a distinctive niche in the sewing world, where thoughtful construction meets eye-catching design. Cristina also talks about how her background as a technical writer shapes her approach to pattern desig...
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  Listener Questions! 31.03.2026 25min

  Send us feedback about this episode! Today's episode is a compilation of listener questions about sewing shows, working with large-scale prints, and more. Grab a cup of your favorite beverage and let's sit down for a chat. Show notes for each episode: www.thestraightstitchpodcast.com My website: www.janetszabo.com See my sewing projects at: www.janetszabo.com/blog E-mail me! janet@janetszabo.com
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  Sergers and Coverstitch Machines: Functional and Fabulous 24.03.2026 41min

  Send us feedback about this episode! Your serger and coverstitch machine can do so much more than finish seams, and in this episode, we’re unlocking their full potential. From workhorse stitches that give your garments a professional finish to the decorative techniques that add texture, color, and personality, you’ll discover how to get more from the machines you already own. We’ll break down the most useful functional stitches (and when to use them), explore creative options like flatlocking...
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  Become a Mad (Garment) Scientist 17.03.2026 36min

  Send us feedback about this episode! Have you ever wished you could combine the neckline of one design with the sleeves of another design to create the perfect blouse pattern? Or add the pockets from one pants pattern to another? Frankenpatterning is such a useful skill! In today's episode, we’re talking about how and why sewists combine, modify, and completely reinvent patterns to create garments that have all the desired features. From simple swaps like sleeves and necklines to more a...
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  Wear Your Quilts 10.03.2026 40min

  Send us feedback about this episode! Quilted coats and jackets are everywhere right now—and for good reason. They combine the creativity of quilting with the practicality of garment sewing and give makers an opportunity to show off their skills. In this episode, we explore the growing trend of quilted outerwear and what makes these garments so appealing to makers. From classic quilt jackets to modern oversized coats, quilted garments offer endless possibilities for using favorite fabrics, exp...